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Earlier in the day, the British No3, Naomi Broady, was also knocked out, losing 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 to France’s Alizé Lim.

Murray placed himself in the top corner of a near-empty stand on Court No8, where he could cheer on Evans while also supporting Ward, who was fighting a losing battle next door on Court No11. It was past 10pm by the time both matches had finished and Evans appreciated the support from the world No3.

“I did notice, it was nice of him, it’s late and it’s a good effort, I will thank him for that,” Evans said. “It’s unbelievable to come out, it’s freezing cold, the chance of getting ill – it’s a good effort.”

Evans, Britain’s No5 and ranked 185th in the world, was typically unpredictable, accompanying moments of mouth-watering stroke-play with some sloppy unforced errors. The 25-year-old missed three match points in the second set but recovered in the decider and will now face America’s Bjorn Fratangelo on Saturday for a place in the main draw.

“It was one of those matches where I couldn’t get going. I got nervous, that’s pretty much it,” Evans said. “I haven’t played for a while in this sort of place but I want to do well. With the wind, I must have served 20 double faults easy [he served 13]. That was a bit demoralising. 40-0 and then serving for it again at 6-5. It was almost a bit embarrassing at times.”

Evans was also unhappy with a small band of Weintraub’s supporters, whom the umpire went over to censure in the second set after the Briton had complained they were deliberately putting him off.

Ward was unable to join his compatriot in the final qualifying round after seeing his serve broken three times in a match lasting an hour and 26 minutes.

Broady also struggled to cope with the blustery conditions, serving 10 double faults as she was beaten in round one.

It means Johanna Konta and Heather Watson will be the two British names in the women’s draw, which takes place on Friday. Murray, seeded second, Aljaz Bedene and Kyle Edmund are Britain’s guaranteed representatives in the men’s competition.